The former AFL tagger kicked three goals from the midfield in a best-on-ground display on Saturday, helping Terang Mortlake inflict Camperdown’s second loss of the season.

“You don’t see many country footy comps as even as the Hampden league which is a credit to the league and all the teams involved in it,” he said after the Bloods’ 11.9 (75) to 7.7 (49) win at DC Farran Oval.

“There’s no easy games which is great. You just have to look at how many close games there are. We’ve probably had four or five below a goal or two.

“It’s going to be an interesting finish come the end of the year.”

Terang Mortlake improved its win-loss record to 5-5 to sit a game clear in fifth spot.

The Bloods – wearing blue and white hoops in honour of the Mortlake Cats – conceded the first goal of the match before a four-goal run gave them a 25-point buffer at quarter-time.

They maintained their advantage, responding each time the Magpies, who boasted an 8-1 record entering the clash, challenged.

Mark Clissold, who finished with a game-high four goals, inspired his team with his creativity in attack.

Chris Bant thrived in his new role in defence, providing a steadying influence.

“I think we’d only beaten Portland who are above us this year so it was a good scalp,” McKenzie said.

The former Melbourne footballer provided the finishing touch when he kicked a soccer goal from the boundary in the dying stages.

“I got very lucky in the end there. It sat up nicely and I threw a boot at it and it wobbled through,” he said.

“I don’t think I will do anything like that again.”

Terang Mortlake coach Michael Sargeant praised McKenzie, Clissold and Bant for their contributions.

He said Steve Staunton’s return had given the Bloods freedom to move Bant.

“Chris played a really good game down back,” Sargeant said.

“He’s just a level head and we have the luxury now we can put him back down there because we have a few blokes in the forward line.

“It was something we looked at in the pre-season, just to freshen him up a bit.

“It’s been pretty tough three or four years for Chris, being the lone solidier in the forward line.”

Camperdown coach Phil Carse conceded the Magpies “hit a bit of a flat spot”.

“It will be all about how we respond next week,” he said.

“Guys didn’t have the energy that we’ve had in other weeks and Terang brought that energy and that was the difference.” Blood Jess Budarick (hand) and Magpie Billy Arnold (concussion) were injured.